Dietary restraint is associated with adiposity and repeated attempts of food avoidance since early adolescence

The Psychological Impact of the Widespread Availability of Palatable Foods Predicts Uncontrolled and Emotional Eating in Adults

This study aimed to investigate the role of the psychological impact of environments rich in palatable foods on three aspects of eating behavior: cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE). The hypotheses were as follows: (a) The psychological impact (i.e., motivation to eat) of an environment rich in palatable foods will positively predict CR, UE, and EE; (b) dieting will predict CR, UE, and EE; and (c) CR, UE, and EE will positively predict body mass index (BMI). This study had a cross-sectional design in which data were collected online from 413 subjects. The psychological impact of food-rich environments (food available, food present, and food tasted) was assessed using the Power of Food Scale (PFS), and CR, UE, and EE were assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18). Both instruments were tested for confirmatory factor analysis. The relationship between constructs was measured using partial least-square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). "Food available" positively predicted all TFEQ-R18 factors (p < 0.01). "Food present" positively predicted UE (p < 0.001) and EE (p = 0.01). People currently on a diet showed higher levels of CR (p < 0.001) and EE (p = 0.02). UE and EE positively predicted BMI. Thus, CR, UE, and EE were positively predicted by the motivation to consume palatable foods in varying proximity, suggesting that the presence of food and, more importantly, its general availability may be important determinants of eating behavior, particularly UE and EE. Health strategies should consider the influence of the food environment to prevent and better manage impairments in eating behavior. Sex differences suggest that special attention should be paid to women. Furthermore, dieting was associated with higher levels of EE, which in turn was associated with higher BMI. Weight loss interventions should consider this vulnerability.

A survey of eating styles in eight countries: Examining restrained, emotional, intuitive eating and their correlates

INTRODUCTION

Restrained, emotional and intuitive eating were examined in relation to each other and as correlates of participants' weight status, body image and self-esteem. In some past research, restrained and emotional eating have been associated with higher weight status and poorer mental health, while intuitive eating is more frequently linked to lower weight status and more positive well-being. However, these eating styles have rarely been examined together and never in a large cross-country sample.

METHOD

Six-thousand two-hundred and seventy-two (6272) emerging adults (M age = 21.54 years, SD = 3.13) completed scales from the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2, the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and provided weight and height information that was used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Participants resided in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United States and provided information using an online survey.

RESULTS

Path analyses for the entire sample revealed significant pathways between higher intuitive eating and higher body satisfaction and self-esteem, and lower BMIs among participants. Higher levels of restrained and emotional eating were associated with lower body satisfaction and self-esteem, and higher BMIs among participants. Minor cross-country differences were evident in these patterns of relations, but intuitive eating emerged as a consistent predictor across countries.

CONCLUSION

Overall, findings suggest that efforts should be made to increase intuitive eating among emerging adults and to support individual and macrolevel interventions to decrease restrained and emotional eating behaviours.

A higher dietary restraint is associated with higher BMI: a cross-sectional study in college students

BACKGROUND

College students tend to have eating and lifestyle habits that can lead to weight gain. Paradoxically, weight gain could also lead to calorie restriction, a practice that is common among those who are concerned about their body weight. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between habits related to overweight and obesity and dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI among college students.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred ninety-two participants (18-26 years; 75% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the 'habits related to overweight and obesity questionnaire' which evaluates five dimensions: the concern about caloric intake, healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and eating for psychological well-being. Additionally, anthropometric parameters, dietary intake, and physical activity were evaluated. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between outcome and exposure variables.

RESULTS

Higher concern about caloric intake was associated with higher BMI (1.05 kg/m² [95%CI: 0.58, 1.51]), but lower energy (-312.2 kcal/day [95%CI: -404.6, -219.8]) and fat intake (-1.88% [95%CI: -2.94, -0.83]). Furthermore, healthy eating was related to better diet quality 0.96 [95%CI: 0.47,1.44] and lower energy intake (-231.4 kcal/day [95%CI: -367.7, -95.2]). Meanwhile, higher scores in the physical activity dimension were associated with better diet quality (0.41 [95%CI: 0.16,0.66]).

CONCLUSIONS

College students with the highest dietary restraint had the greatest BMI and the lowest energy and fat intake. Our results highlight the importance of promoting healthy behaviors among college students.